University creates student Wellness Ambassador program

The+exterior+of+McKinley+Health+Center+located+on+1109+S+Lincoln+Ave+on+Feb.+8.

Jeffrey Hsu

The exterior of McKinley Health Center located on 1109 S Lincoln Ave on Feb. 8.

By Amrita Bhattacharyya, Staff Writer

The University is starting a new program this fall in which students can apply to help promote the education of COVID-19 health resources on campus. 

Wellness Ambassadors will be stationed around popular areas within campus such as the Main Quad. They will be handing out materials which have prevention behavior directives and resources on COVID-19 testing tent locations and hours. 

The Wellness Ambassadors will also be giving out face coverings and hand sanitizers. 

According to Jodi Silotto, director of academic communications in the Office of Public Affairs, the University felt that having a “community-based approach” in which students are involved in the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19, was the best fit. 

“We really wanted students to be able to be involved in this effort and we felt that there was a need,” Silotto said. 

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Over 100 students have applied so far, according to Silotto.  

“After launching the program, we have found that there has been a huge interest in it,” Silotto said. 

The University is currently looking to hire about 30 to 35 students. Ambassadors will work around 10 hours throughout the week, earning $10 per hour. 

Wellness Ambassadors will be working in two-hour shifts with about three to four Ambassadors per shift. 

The University is working with the McKinley Health Center to train the students. This includes making sure that the Ambassadors are equipped with the right personal protective equipment and know the proper safety techniques when they are out on campus.

The Division of Research Safety has also compiled a list of COVID-19 Campus Safety Information to further encourage prevention behavior. 

“Training and (the Ambassadors’) safety is our number one priority,” Silotto said. 

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